Does Your Property Have Defective Drywall?

by Tina Merritt

Last week, the Department of HUD and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a statement offering guidance on identifying problem drywall in homes.  Drywall from China has been found to cause corrosion and air quality issues in homes where it was installed.

The guidance consists of 2 steps for identifying if there is a problem:

1.  A visual inspection showing blackening of the copper electrical wiring and/or air conditioning evaporator coils.

2.  The drywall was installed between 2001 and 2008.

If both of the above conditions are positive, then there are additional tests to determine the presence of problem drywall.

3.  Chemical analysis of the drywall 

4.  Elemental markers in the drywall

5.  Markings on the drywall (such as "Made in China" stamped on the back)

6.  Specific chemical emissions from the drywall

Homes with drywall installed between 2005 and 2008 must have 2 of the above additional tests performed.  Homes with drywall installed between 2001 and 2004 must perform all 4 tests.  Performing these tests may require professional assistance and analysis.

More information can be found at HUD's website or by calling 800-638-2772.  Homeowners who have defective drywall and are experiencing problems may be eligible for financial assistance to help them rehabilitate their property.

If you have drywall which was installed in 2009, I recommend you check that as well.  Just because they stopped importing the drywall doesn't necessarily mean it was removed from inventory in stores and warehouses.